U.S. patent application number 13/424121 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for pedicle screw assembly with inclined surface seat.
Invention is credited to Laszlo GARAMSZEGI.
Application Number | 20120179210 13/424121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38923944 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120179210 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GARAMSZEGI; Laszlo |
July 12, 2012 |
PEDICLE SCREW ASSEMBLY WITH INCLINED SURFACE SEAT
Abstract
A bone stabilizer assembly includes a fixation element, a
coupling element, and a compression nut. The fixation element is
adapted to engage a bone and having a head portion and shank
portion. The coupling element has an internal bore sized to receive
the shank portion of the fixation element and a pyramid-shaped seat
for supporting the head portion of the fixation element. The
coupling element is adapted to receive a stabilizer rod. The
compression nut is engagable with the coupling element and is
adapted to rotatingly move distally into the coupling element to
translate a force to the head portion through the rod and the
saddle such that the head portion is forced against the seat of the
coupling element to prevent relative movement between the fixation
element and the coupling element.
Inventors: |
GARAMSZEGI; Laszlo; (Mission
Viejo, CA) |
Family ID: |
38923944 |
Appl. No.: |
13/424121 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11777945 |
Jul 13, 2007 |
8137387 |
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13424121 |
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60831094 |
Jul 14, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/305 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/7032 20130101;
A61B 17/7037 20130101; A61B 2090/037 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/305 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/86 20060101
A61B017/86 |
Claims
1. A bone stabilizer assembly, comprising: a fixation element
adapted to engage a bone and having a head portion and shank
portion; a coupling element having an internal bore sized to
receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a
pyramid-shaped seat for supporting the head portion of the fixation
element, the coupling element adapted to receive a stabilizer rod;
and a compression nut engagable with the coupling element, the
compression nut adapted to rotatingly move distally into the
coupling element to translate a force to the head portion through
the rod and the saddle such that the head portion is forced against
the seat of the coupling element to prevent relative movement
between the fixation element and the coupling element.
2. The bone stabilizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the head
portion is substantially spherical in shape.
3. The bone stabilizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the head
portion causes an indentation in the seat where the head portion is
forced against the pyramid-shaped seat.
4. The bone stabilizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the pyramid
shaped-seat has at least three slanted faces.
5. The bone stabilizer assembly of claim 4, wherein each face has a
first and second pitch.
6. The bone stabilizer assembly of claim 5, wherein the pitch angle
of the first pitch is greater than the pitch angle of the second
pitch.
7. The bone stabilizer of claim 1, further comprising a saddle
movably mounted in the coupling element below the stabilizer rod
when the stabilizer rod is in the coupling element.
Description
REFERENCE TO PRIORITY DOCUMENT
[0001] This application is a division of and claims priority to
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,945, titled
"PEDICLE SCREW ASSEMBLY WITH INCLINED SURFACE SEAT," filed Jul. 13,
2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,137,387, which in turn claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/831,094 filed Jul.
14, 2006. Priority of the aforementioned filing date is hereby
claimed and the disclosures of the aforementioned co-pending Patent
Application and Provisional Patent Application are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure is directed at skeletal bone fixation
systems, and more particularly to a fixation assembly for vertebrae
of a spinal column.
[0003] Spinal fixation systems are used to secure sections of the
spinal column, such as vertebral bodies, into a fixed position to
correct spinal injuries and defects. Internal fixation is used most
frequently in the spine in conjunction with vertebral fusion, and
also for the manipulation of the spine to correct spinal
deformities. A typical spinal fixation assembly includes a fixation
device, such as a screw or hook, that can be attached to a portion
of a first vertebral body. The screw can be coupled to a
stabilization member, such as an elongate rod, that can be linked
to one or more additional vertebral bodies using additional
screws.
[0004] Pursuant to a general process, two or more bone screws
and/or hooks are secured to a vertebral body that is to be
stabilized. After the screws are secured to the vertebral bodies,
the screws are coupled to a spinal stabilization rod that restricts
movement of the stabilized vertebra. It is important that the
screws have a secure coupling with the spinal stabilization rod in
order to prevent movement of the rod relative to the screw after
placement.
[0005] In several available pedicle screw systems, a tulip-like
coupling element with opposing upright arms or walls is used to
secure the pedicle screw to the rod. The coupling element and
pedicle screw are configured to be coupled to an elongate
stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned above the head of the
pedicle screw. A compression member, such as a compression nut, is
configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a
compressive force to the rod. The rod is then forced against the
head of the pedicle screw, and that force is translated to the
coupling element. Accordingly, the forces generated by the
compression nut clamp the rod and pedicle screw head together
within the coupling element.
[0006] One of the problems with this type of arrangement has been
that the shape of the rod and the shape of the pedicle screw head
are typically such that the amount of surface area contact between
the two is limited. Rods are usually cylindrical and pedicle screw
heads are usually either flat or hemispherical. The resulting
contact area is relatively small, increasing the potential for
slippage and failure in the pedicle screw system.
[0007] Another problem is that the upright legs or walls of the
coupling element can experience splaying after implantation.
Significant splaying of the arms generally results in failure of
the coupling element, since the compression member or nut can no
longer be retained in the coupling element to clamp the rod against
the pedicle screw head. As a result, the rod is free to move
relative to the coupling element, causing a failure that reduces or
eliminates the effectiveness of the pedicle screw system.
[0008] Yet another problem is that the forces exerted on the
coupling element can cause minute movement or rotation in the
compression nut. As a result, the clamping force on the rod is
reduced, potentially causing a failure in the pedicle screw system
that can reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of the system.
[0009] Pedicle screw implantation procedures are costly, risky and
result in painful and lengthy recovery for the patient. Thus, it is
important that multiple surgeries to resolve failures in the
implants be avoided. Furthermore, it can be a tedious process to
position the screws on the vertebral bodies and to interconnect
them with the stabilizing rod. Thus, it is desirable that the
screws be easily attached to the rods and that, once attached, the
coupling between the screw and rod be secure and not prone to
failure. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved
pedicle screw systems.
SUMMARY
[0010] Disclosed are bone stabilization assemblies for use in
skeletal systems. In one aspect, a bone stabilizer assembly
includes a fixation element, a coupling element, a saddle, a
compression nut, and retention means for retaining the saddle in
the coupling element in a floating configuration that permits a
predetermined amount of movement between the saddle and the
coupling element. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone
and has a head portion and shank portion. The coupling element has
an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation
element and a seat adapted to support the head portion of the
fixation element. The coupling element is also adapted to receive a
stabilizer rod. The saddle is movably mounted in the coupling
element below the stabilizer rod when the stabilizer rod is in the
coupling element. The compression nut is engagable with the
coupling element. The compression nut is adapted to rotatingly move
distally into the coupling element to translate a force to the head
portion through the rod and the saddle such that the head portion
is forced against the seat of the coupling element to prevent
relative movement between the fixation element and the coupling
element.
[0011] In another aspect, a bone stabilizer assembly includes a
fixation element, a coupling element, and a saddle. The fixation
element is adapted to engage a bone and has a head portion and
shank portion. The coupling element has an internal bore sized to
receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a seat
adapted to support the head portion of the fixation element. The
coupling element further includes a pair of opposed walls separated
by a stabilizer rod-receiving channel. Inner surfaces of the
opposed walls include inner threads for mating with a compression
nut and opposing indentations located below the inner threads. The
saddle is movably mounted in the coupling element below the
stabilizer rod when the stabilizer rod is in the coupling element.
The saddle includes a pair of opposed walls separated by a
rod-receiving region. Outer surfaces of the opposed walls include
opposing protrusions that extend laterally from the walls. The
protrusions are adapted to engage the opposing indentations in the
opposed walls of the coupling element so as to retain the saddle
within the coupling element when the stabilizer rod is disengaged
from the coupling element.
[0012] In another aspect, a bone stabilizer assembly includes a
coupling element and a compression nut. The coupling element
includes a plurality of wall sections defining a longitudinal bore.
The coupling element also includes a transverse channel
substantially perpendicular to the bore. The compression nut
includes a substantially cylindrical engagement portion having a
longitudinal axis. A thread is formed on the engagement portion so
that the engagement portion is adapted to be threadedly engaged
within the bore to the wall sections. The thread has a profile that
has a rotation stiffening component and an anti-splay component.
The rotation stiffening component and the anti-splay component are
integrated.
[0013] In another aspect, a bone stabilizer assembly includes a
coupling element, and a compression nut. The coupling element
includes a plurality of wall sections defining a longitudinal bore
and a transverse channel substantially perpendicular to the bore.
The compression nut includes a substantially cylindrical engagement
portion having a longitudinal axis and a thread formed on the
engagement portion so that the engagement portion is adapted to be
threadedly engaged within the bore to the wall sections. The thread
is sloped in a distal direction from a root of the thread to a
crest of the thread.
[0014] In another aspect, a bone stabilizer assembly includes a
fixation element, a coupling element, and a compression nut. The
fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and having a head
portion and shank portion. The coupling element has an internal
bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and
a conical seat for supporting the head portion of the fixation
element. The coupling element is adapted to receive a stabilizer
rod. The compression nut is engagable with the coupling element and
is adapted to rotatingly move distally into the coupling element to
translate a force to the head portion through the rod such that the
head portion is forced against the seat of the coupling element to
prevent relative movement between the fixation element and the
coupling element.
[0015] In another aspect, a bone stabilizer assembly includes a
fixation element, a coupling element, and a compression nut. The
fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and having a head
portion and shank portion. The coupling element has an internal
bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and
a pyramid-shaped seat for supporting the head portion of the
fixation element. The coupling element is adapted to receive a
stabilizer rod. The compression nut is engagable with the coupling
element and is adapted to rotatingly move distally into the
coupling element to translate a force to the head portion through
the rod and the saddle such that the head portion is forced against
the seat of the coupling element to prevent relative movement
between the fixation element and the coupling element.
[0016] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,
objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and
drawings, and from the claims.
[0017] DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1a is an illustration of a human vertebral column.
[0019] FIG. 1b is a superior view of a typical human vertebra.
[0020] FIG. 1c is a lateral view of the vertebra depicted in FIG.
1b.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a set of pedicle screws
implanted into a human vertebral column
[0022] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a bone fixation assembly
according to one embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the bone fixation
assembly depicted in FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of a bone fixation
assembly according to another embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 5b is a magnified view of region 5b depicted in FIG.
5a.
[0026] FIG. 6a is a side view of the bottom saddle depicted in
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.
[0027] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the bottom saddle depicted
in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the bottom saddle
depicted in FIGS. 6a and 6b as it is loaded into a bone fixation
assembly.
[0029] FIG. 8a shows a cross-sectional view of a bone fixation
assembly according to another embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 8b is a magnified view of region 8b depicted in FIG.
8a.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the bone fixation assembly
depicted in FIG. 8.
[0032] FIGS. 10a-10d show various views of the saddle depicted in
the bone fixation assembly depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the coupling element
depicted in the bone fixation assembly depicted in FIGS. 8 and
9.
[0034] FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view of a bone fixation
assembly according to another embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 12b is a magnified view of region 12b depicted in FIG.
12a.
[0036] FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of a bone fixation
assembly according to another embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 13b is a magnified view of region 13b depicted in FIG.
13a.
[0038] FIG. 14a is a side view of the saddle depicted in the bone
fixation assembly depicted in FIGS. 13a and 13b.
[0039] FIG. 14b is a perspective view of the saddle depicted in
FIG. 14a.
[0040] FIG. 15a is a cross-sectional view of a bone fixation
assembly according to another embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 15b is a cross-sectional view of the external threads
of the compression nut depicted in FIG. 15a.
[0042] FIG. 15c is a cross-sectional view of the internal threads
of the coupling element depicted in FIG. 15a.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a compression element
of a bone fixation assembly according to one embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 17a is a cross-sectional view of a compression element
of a bone fixation assembly according to another embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional view of the external threads
of the compression nut depicted in FIG. 17a.
[0046] FIG. 17c is a cross-sectional view of the internal threads
of the coupling element depicted in FIG. 17a.
[0047] FIG. 18a is a cross-sectional exploded view of a compression
nut and top saddle according to one embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 18b is a cross-sectional view of the compression nut
and top saddle depicted in FIG. 18a.
[0049] FIG. 19a is a cross-sectional exploded view of a compression
nut and top saddle according to another embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 19b is a cross-sectional view of the compression nut
and top saddle depicted in FIG. 19a.
[0051] FIG. 20a shows a cross-sectional view of the bone fixation
assembly according to another embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 20b is a magnified view of region 20b depicted in FIG.
20a.
[0053] FIG. 20c shows an exploded view of a coupling element
according to one embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 21a shows a cross-sectional view of the bone fixation
assembly according to another embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 21b is a magnified view of region 21b depicted in FIG.
21a.
[0056] FIG. 21c shows a conically-shaped seat of the coupling
element according to one embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 22 shows a pyramid-shaped seat of the coupling element
according to one embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 23a shows another pyramid-shaped seat of the coupling
element.
[0059] FIG. 23b shows another pyramid-shaped seat of the coupling
element.
[0060] FIG. 24 shows another pyramid-shaped seat of the coupling
element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] Before discussing the embodiments in detail, it may be
helpful to first briefly review the basic devices and concepts used
in orthopedic surgery, and particularly spine surgery. Bone
stabilization assemblies are commonly used throughout the skeletal
system to stabilize broken, fractured, diseased or deformed bones.
In particular, pedicle screw systems are particularly well adapted
for the fixation and manipulation of the bones of the vertebral
column.
[0062] A vertebral pedicle is a dense stem-like structure that
projects from the posterior of a vertebra. There are two pedicles
per vertebra that connect to other structures (e.g. lamina,
vertebral arch). The location of a pedicle P is illustrated in
FIGS. 1b and 1c, which illustrate a typical vertebral column, a
superior view of a typical vertebra, and a lateral view of a
typical vertebra, respectively.
[0063] Bone screws have been used in spinal instrumentation since
the 1960s. A pedicle screw is a particular type of bone screw
designed for implantation into a vertebral pedicle. Monoaxial
pedicle screws are still used quite often, but the current standard
for implantation is a polyaxial pedicle screw made of titanium or
titanium alloy. Titanium alloy is useful, because it is highly
resistant to corrosion and fatigue, and is MRI compatible. The
screw is threaded and the head is moveable, allowing it to swivel
so as to defray vertebral stress. Polyaxial pedicle screw lengths
range from about 30 mm to about 60 mm with diameters ranging from
about 5.0 mm to about 8.5 mm.
[0064] Pedicle screws are used to correct deformity, and or to
treat trauma. They can be used in instrumentation procedures to
affix rods and plates to the spine. They can also be used to
immobilize part of the spine to assist fusion by holding bony
structures together. Although pedicle screws are most often used in
the lumbar (lumbosacral) spine, they can be implanted in the
thoracic and sacral vertebra. The surgeon uses fluoroscopy,
conventional x-ray, and sometimes computer-assisted visualization
to determine the depth and angle for screw placement. A receiving
channel is drilled and the screw is inserted. The screws themselves
do not fixate the spinal segment, but act as firm anchor points
that can then be connected with a rod. As shown in FIG. 2, the
screws are placed down the small bony tube created by the pedicle
on each side of the vertebra, between the nerve roots. This allows
the screws to grab into the bone of the vertebral body, giving them
a solid hold on the vertebra. Once the screws are placed, one in
each of the two pedicles of each vertebra, they are attached to
metal rods that connect the screws together. The screws are placed
at two or more consecutive spine segments (e.g., lumbar segment 5
and 6) and connected by the rods.
[0065] Generally, a poly-axial pedicle screw assembly, as described
in more detail below, includes a tulip-like coupling element that
can be coupled to a fixation element, such as, for example, a screw
with a head that removably mates with the coupling element. The
coupling element and fixation element are configured to be coupled
to an elongate stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned
between a top and a bottom saddle or between a compression member
and bottom saddle. A compression member, such as a compression nut,
is configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a
compressive force to the top and bottom saddles or to the top of
the elongate stabilizer rod to secure the elongate stabilizer rod
therebetween. The top and bottom saddles are movably positioned
within the coupling element such that they can gradually reposition
into a secure engagement with the stabilizer as the compression
member provides the compressive force.
[0066] Turning now to FIG. 3, a pedicle screw assembly includes an
anchor 105 having a fixation element 110 that is removably coupled
to a coupling element 115. The assembly further includes a
stabilizer, such as an elongate rod 120, that can be compressively
secured to the anchor 105, as described below. As described in
detail below, the fixation element 110 can be coupled to a skeletal
structure, such as a spinal vertebra by being drilled or screwed
into, e.g., a pedicle of a vertebra. The coupling element 115 is
used to couple the fixation element 110 to the stabilizer, which
can be coupled to multiple fixation elements using additional
coupling elements 115.
[0067] The fixation element or pedicle screw 110 can include, for
example, an elongate screw having a threaded shank portion 205 with
external threads that can be screwed into the bone structure, e.g.,
pedicle, of a vertebra. A head 210 is positioned at the upper end
of the shank portion 205. The head 210 has a shape, such as a
rounded shape, that is configured to mate with a
correspondingly-shaped seat structure in the coupling element 115,
as described below. A drive coupler, such as a drive cavity 215 is
located within or on the head 210 of the fixation element 110. The
drive cavity 215 has a shape that is configured to receive a device
that can impart rotational movement to the fixation element 110 in
order to screw the fixation element 110 into a bone structure. For
example, the drive cavity 215 can have a hexagonal shape that is
configured to receive therein an allen-style wrench.
[0068] It should be appreciated that the drive coupler need not be
a cavity that mates with an allen-style wrench and that other types
of drive couplers can be used. Moreover, the fixation element 110
can be in forms other than a shank, including, for example, a hook
or clamp. Indeed, it should be appreciated that any structure or
component configured for attachment to a bone structure can be used
in place of the shank portion of the fixation element.
[0069] The coupling element 115 is configured to receive the
fixation element 110 and the elongate rod 120. The coupling element
115 has an internal bore 305 that extends through the coupling
element 115 along an axis A (the axis A is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).
The internal bore 305 is sized to receive at least the shank
portion 205 of the fixation element therethrough. A pair of
laterally-opposed, upwardly extending projections 310 is separated
by the bore 305. The projections 310 have internal, threaded
surfaces. In addition, a pair of U-shaped channels 315 extends
through the coupling element for receiving therein the rod 120,
which extends along an axis that is transverse to the axis A of the
bore 305.
[0070] The upper ends of the projections 310 define an entry port
that is sized to receive therein a compression nut 410, as
described below. The compression nut 410 is described herein as
having outer threads that are configured to mate with the inner
threads on the opposed inner surfaces of the projections 310 of the
coupling element 115. As described below, the entry port is sized
and shaped to facilitate an easy entry of the compression nut 410
into or over the projections 310 of the coupling element.
[0071] A bottom saddle 320 and a top saddle 325 are configured to
be positioned within the coupling element 115. The saddles each
define a contact surface 330 (shown in FIG. 3) that has a contour
selected to complement a contour of the outer surface of the rod
120. In one embodiment, the contact surfaces 330 have rounded
contours that complement the rounded, outer surface of the rod 120.
However, the contact surfaces 330 can have any shape or contour
that complement the shape and contour of the rod 120. The contact
surfaces 330 can also be roughed, serrated, ribbed, or otherwise
finished to improve the frictional engagement between the saddles
320,325 and the rod. The rod 120 can also be correspondingly
roughed, serrated, ribbed, or otherwise finished to further improve
the frictional engagement between saddles 320, 325 and the rod.
[0072] The complementing shapes and contours between the contact
surfaces 330 and rod 120 provide a maximum amount of contact area
between the saddles 320, 325 and rod 120. For example, the rod 120
is shown having a rounded or convex outer surface. The contact
surfaces 330 of the saddles 320, 325 are correspondingly rounded or
concave such that the elongate rod 120 can fit snug between the
saddles 320, 325 with the contact surfaces 330 of the saddles 320,
325 providing a wide area of contact with the outer surface of the
elongate rod 120. It should be appreciated that the contour and
shape of the contact surfaces 330 can be varied to match any
contour of the outer surface of the elongate rod 120 or in any
manner to maximize the amount of grip between the saddles and the
elongate rod.
[0073] During assembly of the device, the shank portion 205 of the
fixation element 110 is inserted through the bore 305 in the
coupling element 115. The rounded head 210 abuts against and sits
within a correspondingly-shaped seat 327 in the bottom of the
coupling element 115 in a ball/socket manner, as shown in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 4. The seat 327 can have a rounded
shape that is configured to provide a secure fit between the head
210 and the coupling element 115. Because the seat 327 is rounded,
the head 210 can be rotated within the seat 327 to move the axis of
the shank portion 205 to a desired orientation relative to the
coupling element 115 and thereby provide a poly-axial
configuration.
[0074] With the fixation element 110 seated in the coupling element
115, an operator can position the assembly relative to a bone
structure such as a vertebra. When the device is fully assembled,
the operator can couple a drive device (such as an Allen wrench) to
the drive cavity 215 in the head 210 and rotate the fixation
element 110 to drive the shank portion 205 into a vertebra or other
bone structure. As mentioned, the bottom saddle 320 has an internal
bore that is sized to receive therethrough the drive device to
provide access to the head 210 of the fixation element 110.
[0075] The rod 120 is loaded into the coupling element 115 by
inserting the rod downwardly between the projections 310 through
the u-shaped channels 315, as shown in FIG. 3. As the rod 120 is
moved downwardly into the coupling element 115, the outer surface
of the rod 120 will eventually abut and sit against the
corresponding rounded contact surface 330 of the bottom saddle 320.
The compression nut 410 and attached upper saddle 325 are then
threaded downward into the coupling element 115 by mating the
external threads on the compression nut 410 with the internal
threads on the projections 310 of the coupling element 115. The
compression nut 410 can be threaded downward until the rod 120 is
compressed between the top and bottom saddles, with the compression
nut 410 providing the compression force.
[0076] As mentioned, the coupling element 115 has an entry port for
the compression nut 410 that facilitates entry or coupling of the
compression nut 410 into the coupling element 115. The entry port
is defined by the upper edges of the projections 310. The entry
port has a structure that guides the compression nut into a proper
engagement with the coupling element 115. For example, one or more
large chamfers 425 are located on the upper, inner edge of the
projections 310 of the coupling element 115 to provide ease of
entry for the compression nut 410 into the coupling element 115. In
one embodiment, the chamfers 425 are angled with the angle being in
the range of thirty degrees to sixty degrees relative to vertical
axis A, although the angle can vary. The chamfers 425 guide the
compression nut 410 into proper alignment with the coupling element
115 such that the threads on the compression nut properly engage
the threads on the opposed projections 310 without any
cross-threading.
[0077] The compression nut 410 is then threaded downwardly by
repeatedly rotating the compression nut 410 about a 360 degree
rotation. As the compression nut 410 lowers into the coupling
element, the rounded contact surface 330 of the top saddle 325
abuts the rod 120 and compresses the rod 120 against the rounded
contact surface 330 of the bottom saddle 320, as shown in FIG. 4.
As mentioned the bottom saddle 320 has a floating arrangement with
the coupling element 115 and the top saddle 325 is movable and
rotatable relative to the compression nut 410. This permits the
saddles to gradually reposition themselves into a secure purchase
with the rod 120 as the compression nut 410 moves downward. The
contact surfaces 330 of the saddles 320, 325 provide a continuous
and maximized area of contact between the saddles 320, 325 and the
rod 120 for a secure and tight fit therebetween.
[0078] Moreover, the top saddle 325 is shaped so that opposed wings
or protrusions 329 are located on opposed sides of the top saddle
325 (see FIGS. 16-17). The opposed protrusions 329 are positioned
on either side of the rod 120 so as to automatically guide the
saddle 325 into alignment with the rod 120 as the saddle 325 lowers
onto the rod. Because the top saddle 325 can freely rotate as the
compression nut lowers onto the rod 120, the protrusions 329 will
abut opposed sides of the rod 120 as the top saddle 325 is lowered
into the coupling element 115. The top saddle 325 thus self-aligns
into a secure engagement with the rod 120 as the top saddle 325 is
lowered onto the rod 120.
[0079] In one embodiment, the protrusions 329 of the top saddle are
formed by a concave contour of the top saddle contact surface 330.
It should be appreciated that the protrusions 329 need not be
formed from curved surfaces, but can also be formed from straight
surfaces. Moreover, the protrusions 329 need not be formed from a
continuous, elongated surface, but can rather comprise one or more
discrete protrusions, such as spikes, that extend downwardly from
the top saddle 325.
[0080] As the compression nut 410 is threaded downward, the
downward force of the compression nut 410 is transferred to the
bottom saddle 320 via the top saddle 325 and the rod 120. This
causes the bottom saddle 320 to also move downward so as to press
downward against the head 210 of the fixation element 110. The head
210 is thereby pressed downward into the seat 327 in a fixed
orientation. In this manner, the position of the fixation element
110 relative to the coupling element 115 is fixed. That is, the
head 210 of the fixation element 110 is pressed downward into the
seat 327 of the coupling element 115 with a force sufficient to
lock the position of the head 210 relative to the coupling element
115.
[0081] The compression nut 410 can be tightened to provide a
sufficient downward force that locks the positions of the saddles
320, 325 relative to the coupling element 115 and the elongate rod
120. The compression nut 410 thereby provides a downward force that
locks the relative positions of the elongate rod 120, saddles 320,
325, coupling element 115, and fixation element 110. After this is
complete, the upper portion of the opposed projections 310 of the
coupling element can be snapped off at a predetermined location
along the length of the projections 310.
[0082] As discussed, inner threads are located on the opposed inner
faces of the projections 310. The threads extend downwardly along
the projections 310 to a depth that is sufficient to provide secure
engagement between the threads on the projections 310 and the
threads on the compression nut 410 when the compression nut 410 is
fully tightened. It should be appreciated that the threads do not
have to extend to a depth below the upper surface (identified by
line U in FIG. 4) of the rod 120 when the rod 120 is positioned in
the coupling element 115. In one embodiment, the threads extend to
a depth that is above the upper surface (identified by line U) of
the rod 120. The top saddle 325 provides a spacing between the rod
120 and the compression nut 410, which permits such thread
depth.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 3, 6a and 6b, the bottom saddle 320 has an
internal bore 316 that axially aligns with the bore 305 in the
coupling element 115 when the bottom saddle 320 is placed in the
coupling element 115. The bottom saddle 320 has a cylindrical outer
surface 326 forming a pair of opposed walls 321 separated by the
internal bore 316 and a rod-receiving region 323. Outer surfaces of
the opposed walls 321 include opposing projections 335 that extend
laterally from the walls 321. Each of the projections 335 aligns
with a corresponding hole or aperture 340 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4)
that extends through the coupling element 115. The opposed walls
are generally perpendicular to the base 324 of the saddle 320, as
indicated by angle .alpha. shown in FIG. 6A.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom saddle 320 is secured within
the coupling element 115 by positioning the saddle between the
projections 310 such that each projection 335 in the bottom saddle
320 is inserted into a corresponding aperture 340 in the coupling
element 115. The bottom saddle 320 is inserted into the coupling
element 115 by forcing the saddle 320 down through the projections
310 of the coupling element. The distance X, depicted in FIG. 6a,
represents the distance between the outer ends 336 of the
projections 335. Distance Y, depicted in FIG. 4, represents the
distance between the inner surfaces 311 of the projections 310 of
the coupling element 115. Distance X is slightly greater than
distance Y. Therefore, saddle 320 must be inserted into the
coupling element 115 by forcing it downward through the projections
310 against which the projections 335 will scrape. Once the saddle
320 has been pushed down far enough inside the coupling element 115
that the projections 335 line up with the corresponding apertures
340, the projections 335 will pop into the apertures 340. The
projections 335 are shaped to facilitate insertion and retention of
the saddle 320 within the coupling element 115. As shown in FIGS.
6a and 6b, the projections 335 have a flat or horizontal proximal
surface 338, a rounded side or lateral surface 336, and an angled
or ramped distal surface 337. The flat proximal surface 338
prevents the saddle 320 from sliding out of the coupling element
115 in the proximal direction. The angled or ramped distal surface
337 allows the saddle to be guided into the coupling element. The
opposed walls 321 can be slightly flexible so that during insertion
the walls 321 flex inward toward each other to allow the saddle 320
to be pushed down into the coupling element 115. Once the
projections 335 of the saddle 320 reach the apertures 340 of the
coupling element, the walls 321 flex back to their natural position
and the projections 335 pop into the apertures 340.
[0085] The apertures 340 can be round, rectangular, square, oval or
any other shape that can receive the projections 335 in a manner
that allows the saddle 320 to float in the coupling element 115.
Likewise, rather than the shape described above, the projections
335 can be cylindrical, conical, block (rectangular or square), or
any other shape that fits within the apertures 340 in a manner that
allows the saddle to float in the coupling element 115.
[0086] Alternatively, the saddle 320 can be inserted into the
coupling element 115 in the manner shown in FIG. 7. The saddle 320
is first rotated so that the walls 321 are aligned with the
U-shaped channels 315 rather than the projections 310 of the
coupling element 115. The diameter of the cylindrical outer surface
326 of the saddle 320 is slightly smaller than the distance Y
between the inner surfaces 311 of the projections 310 of the
coupling element 115 so that the saddle 320 slides freely into the
coupling element 115 without any significant frictional engagement
between the saddle 320 and coupling element 115. Once the
projections 335 are at the same level as the apertures 340, the
saddle 320 is rotated about 90.degree. until the projections 335
pop into the apertures 340. As the saddle is rotated, the
projections 335 will scrape against the inner surfaces 311 of the
projections 310. The rounded lateral surface 336 of the projections
335 facilitate the rotation of the saddle 320.
[0087] As best seen in FIG. 4, the diameter of the aperture 340 can
be greater than the distance between the proximal end 338 of the
projection 335 and the distal end 337 of the projection 335 by
between about 1.0 mm and about 3 mm. In one embodiment, the
diameter of the aperture 340 is about 1.0 mm greater than the
distance between the proximal end 338 of the projection 335 and the
distal end 337 of the projection 335, allowing about 1.0 mm of play
between the bottom saddle 320 and the coupling element 115. The
diameter of the cylindrical outer surface 326 of the bottom saddle
is also less than distance Y between the projections 310. These
dimensions permit the bottom saddle 320 to "float" in the coupling
element 115 such that the position and the orientation of the
bottom saddle 320 can be varied slightly. That is, the bottom
saddle 320 can be moved slightly upward or downward and from side
to side when mounted in the coupling element 115. The bottom saddle
320 can also rotate slightly when mounted in the coupling element
115. Thus, the bottom saddle 320 can movingly adjust into a secure
engagement with the elongate rod 120 when compressed against the
elongate rod 120 during assembly, as described below. It can also
movingly adjust into a secure engagement with the head portion 210
of the fixation element 110 when pushed down against the head
portion 210 by the elongate rod 120.
[0088] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the
coupling element 115 has a channel 440 rather than apertures 340.
Each of the projections 310 of the coupling element 115 has a
channel 440 bored into it, and the channels 440 are aligned with
one another and face one another as shown in FIG. 5a. The
projections 435 of the saddle 320 can be mated with the channels
440 so as to retain the bottom saddle 320 within the coupling
element 115. The saddle 320 shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b can have the
same projections 335 as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, or it can have
square or rectangular block projections 435 as shown in FIGS. 5a
and 5b.
[0089] As shown in closer detail in FIG. 5b, the lateral ends 436
of the saddle 320 do not make contact with the lateral surface 441
of the channel 440. In other words the distance between the lateral
surfaces 441 of the two projections 310 is greater than the
distance between the lateral ends 436 of the projections 435 of the
bottom saddle 320. Thus, there is no axial force or frictional
engagement between the projections 435 and the channels 440. This
permits some play between the bottom saddle 320 and the coupling
element 115. In addition, the height of the projections 435 (i.e.,
the distance between the proximal surface 438 and distal surface
437 of the projections 435) is between about 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm less
than the height of the channels 440 (i.e., the distance between the
proximal inner surface 448 and distal inner surface 447 of the
channels 440). In one embodiment, the height of the channels 440 is
about 1.0 mm greater than the height of the projections 435,
allowing about 1.0 mm of play between the bottom saddle 320 and the
coupling element 115. The diameter of the cylindrical outer surface
326 of the bottom saddle is also less than distance Y between the
projections 310. These dimensions permit the bottom saddle 320 to
"float" in the coupling element 115 such that the position and the
orientation of the bottom saddle 320 can be varied slightly. That
is, the bottom saddle 320 can be moved slightly upward or downward
and from side to side when mounted in the coupling element 115. The
bottom saddle 320 can also rotate slightly when mounted in the
coupling element 115. Thus, the bottom saddle 320 can movingly
adjust into a secure engagement with the elongate rod 120 when
compressed against the elongate rod 120 during assembly, as
described below. It can also movingly adjust into a secure
engagement with the head portion 210 of the fixation element 110
when pushed down against the head portion 210 by the elongate rod
120.
[0090] The saddle 320 can be inserted into the coupling element 115
in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 7. The saddle 320 is
first rotated so that the walls 321 are aligned with the U-shaped
channels 315 rather than the projections 310 of the coupling
element 115. The diameter of the cylindrical outer surface 326 of
the saddle 320 is slightly smaller than the distance Y between the
inner surfaces 311 of the projections 310 of the coupling element
115 so that the saddle 320 slides freely into the coupling element
115 without any significant frictional engagement between the
saddle 320 and coupling element 115. Once the projections 435 are
at the same level as the channels 440, the saddle 320 is rotated
until the projections 435 slide into the channels 440. The channels
440 can extend along the entire circumference or length of the
inner surfaces 311 of the projections 435 so that the projections
435 slide into the channels 440 without running into or contacting
the projections 435.
[0091] FIGS. 8-11 describe another embodiment, which differs from
the other embodiments only with respect to the bottom saddle 520
and retention means for the bottom saddle 520 within the coupling
element 115. The bottom saddle depicted in FIGS. 8-11 is designed
to permit the opposed walls 521 to tilt toward one another in
response to compression forces, and to spring back to their
original or resting parallel orientation in the absence of
compression forces.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 10a-10d, the bottom saddle 520 has an
internal bore 516 that axially aligns with the bore 305 in the
coupling element 115 when the bottom saddle 520 is placed in the
coupling element 115. The bottom saddle 520 has a cylindrical outer
surface 526 forming a pair of opposed walls 521 separated by the
internal bore 516 and a rod-receiving region 523. Opposed walls 521
are generally perpendicular to the base 524 of the bottom saddle
520, as indicated by angle .alpha. shown in FIG. 10A. Outer
surfaces of the opposed walls 521 include opposing projections 535
that extend laterally from the walls 521. Each of the projections
535 aligns with a corresponding cavity 540 (shown in FIG. 11) that
is carved into each of the projections 310 of the coupling element
115. The opposed walls 521 of the saddle 520 are connected to one
another by a pair of flexible joints 580 that permit the opposing
walls 521 to tilt toward one another in response to compression
forces, and to spring back to their original or resting parallel
orientation in the absence of compression forces. The flexible
joints 580 are formed by a pair of keyhole slots 581 carved into
the cylindrical portion 526 of the bottom saddle 520. The keyhole
slots 581 are opposite each other and are each aligned about
90.degree. away from each of the projections 535. Consequently, the
flexible joints 580 are opposite each other and are each aligned
about 90.degree. away from each of the projections 535. The keyhole
slots 581 and the flexible joints 580 permit the opposed walls 521
to be squeezed toward one another in response to a compressive
force and to spring back into a resting parallel orientation in the
absence of a compressive force.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom saddle 520 is secured within
the coupling element 115 by positioning the saddle between the
projections 310 such that each projection 535 in the bottom saddle
520 is inserted into a corresponding cavity 540 in the coupling
element 115. The bottom saddle 520 is inserted into the coupling
element 115 by forcing the saddle 520 down through the projections
310 of the coupling element. The distance X, depicted in FIG. 8a,
represents the distance between the lateral surface 536 of the
projections 535. Distance Y, depicted in FIG. 8a, represents the
distance between the inner surfaces 311 of the projections 310 of
the coupling element 115. Distance X is slightly greater than
distance Y. Therefore, the saddle 520 must be inserted into the
coupling element 115 by forcing it downward through the projections
310 against which the projections 535 will scrape. The opposed
walls 521 of the saddle 520 can be squeezed toward one another
because of the flexible joints 580 and keyhole slots 581 (shown in
FIG. 10b). Once the saddle 520 has been pushed down far enough
inside the coupling element 115 that the projections 535 line up
with the corresponding cavities 540, the projections 535 will pop
into the cavities 540. The projections 535 are shaped to facilitate
insertion and retention of the saddle 520 within the coupling
element 115. As shown in FIGS. 10c and 10d, the projections 535
have a flat or horizontal proximal surface 538, a rounded side or
lateral surface 536, and an angled or ramped distal surface 537
(alternatively, the distal surface 537 can be horizontal or flat).
The flat proximal surface 538 prevents the saddle 520 from sliding
out of the coupling element 115 in the proximal direction. The
angled or ramped distal surface 537 allows the saddle to be guided
into the coupling element 115. The opposed walls 521 are flexible
so that during insertion the walls 521 flex inward toward each
other to allow the saddle 520 to be pushed down into the coupling
element 115. Once the projections 535 of the saddle 520 reach the
cavities 540 of the coupling element 115, the walls 521 flex back
to their natural or resting position and the projections 535 pop
into the cavities 540.
[0094] The cavities 540 can be round, rectangular, square, oval or
any other shape that can receive the projections 535 in a manner
that allows the saddle 520 to float in the coupling element 115.
Likewise, rather than the shape described above, the projections
535 can be cylindrical, conical, block (rectangular or square), or
any other shape that fits within the cavities 540 in a manner that
allows the saddle 520 to float in the coupling element 115.
[0095] Alternatively, the saddle 520 can be inserted into the
coupling element 115 in the manner shown in FIG. 7. The saddle 520
is first rotated so that the walls 521 are aligned with the
U-shaped channels 315 rather than the projections 310 of the
coupling element 115. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 526
of the saddle 520 is slightly smaller than the distance Y between
the inner surfaces 311 of the projections 310 of the coupling
element 115 so that the saddle 520 slides freely into the coupling
element 115 without any significant frictional engagement between
the saddle 520 and coupling element 115. Once the projections 535
are at the same level as the cavities 540, the saddle 520 is
rotated about 90.degree. until the projections 535 pop into the
cavities 540. As the saddle is rotated, the projections 535 will
scrape against the inner surfaces 311 of the projections 310. The
rounded lateral surface 536 of the projections 535 facilitate the
rotation of the saddle 520.
[0096] As shown in closer detail in FIG. 5b, the lateral ends 436
of the saddle 320 do not make contact with the lateral surface 441
of the cavities 440. In other words the distance between the
lateral surfaces 441 of the two projections 310 is greater than the
distance between the lateral ends 436 of the projections 435 of the
bottom saddle 320. Thus, there is no axial force or frictional
engagement between the projections 435 and the channels 440. This
permits some play between the bottom saddle 320 and the coupling
element 115. In addition, the height of the projections 435 (i.e.,
the distance between the proximal surface 438 and distal surface
437 of the projections 435) is between about 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm less
than the height of the channels 440 (i.e., the distance between the
proximal inner surface 448 and distal inner surface 447 of the
channels 440). In one embodiment, the height of the channels 440 is
about 1.0 mm greater than the height of the projections 435,
allowing about 1.0 mm of play between the bottom saddle 320 and the
coupling element 115. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 326
of the bottom saddle is also less than distance Y between the
projections 310. These dimensions permit the bottom saddle 320 to
"float" in the coupling element 115 such that the position and the
orientation of the bottom saddle 320 can be varied slightly. That
is, the bottom saddle 320 can be moved slightly upward or downward
and from side to side when mounted in the coupling element 115. The
bottom saddle 320 can also rotate slightly when mounted in the
coupling element 115. Thus, the bottom saddle 320 can movingly
adjust into a secure engagement with the elongate rod 120 when
compressed against the elongate rod 120 during assembly, as
described below. It can also movingly adjust into a secure
engagement with the head portion 210 of the fixation element 110
when pushed down against the head portion 210 by the elongate rod
120.
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 12a and 12b, the bottom saddle 520 is
the same or substantially the same as bottom saddle 520 shown in
FIGS. 8a-10d. The bottom saddle 520 is secured within the coupling
element 115 by positioning the saddle between the projections 310
such that each projection 535 in the bottom saddle 520 is inserted
into a corresponding cavity 940 in the coupling element 115. The
bottom saddle 520 is inserted into the coupling element 115 by
forcing the saddle 520 down through the projections 310 of the
coupling element. The distance X, depicted in FIG. 12a, represents
the distance between the outer ends 436 of the projections 535.
Distance T, depicted in FIG. 12a, represents the distance between
the inner surfaces 311 of the projections 310 of the coupling
element 115. Distance X is slightly greater than distance T.
Therefore, saddle 520 must be inserted into the coupling element
115 by forcing it downward through the projections 310 against
which the projections 335 will scrape. The opposed walls 521 of the
saddle 520 can be squeezed toward one another because of the
flexible joints 580 and keyhole slots 581. Once the saddle 520 has
been pushed down far enough inside the coupling element 115 that
the projections 535 line up with the corresponding cavities or
indentations 940, the projections 535 will pop into the cavities
940. The projections 535 are shaped to facilitate insertion and
retention of the saddle 520 within the coupling element 115 as
described with respect to FIGS. 10c and 10d above. The opposed
walls 521 are flexible so that during insertion the walls 521 flex
inward toward each other to allow the saddle 520 to be pushed down
into the coupling element 115. Once the projections 535 of the
saddle 520 reach the cavities or indentations 940 of the coupling
element 115, the walls 521 flex back to their natural or resting
position and the projections 535 pop into the cavities 940.
[0098] The cavities 940 are aligned with one another, but they are
not parallel with one another. Instead, as shown in more detail in
FIG. 12b and further described below, the cavities 940 are sloped
or ramped toward one another in the distal direction.
[0099] The cavities 940 each have a proximal region, which is near
the top end of the coupling element 115, a middle region distal the
proximal region, and a distal region, which is distal the middle
region. The distance Z between the proximal regions of the cavities
940 is greater than the distance X between the outer ends 536 of
the projections 535, and the distance X is greater than the
distance Y between the distal regions of the cavities 940. The
proximal region of the cavities 940 each includes a ridge with a
drop-off as shown in FIG. 12b. A middle region of the cavities 940,
distal the proximal region, forms a ramp that is sloped inward
toward a distal direction, wherein the proximal end of the ramp
starts at the drop-off and a distal end of the ramp terminates in a
distal region that joins the ramp to the inner surface 311 of the
wall of the coupling element 115.
[0100] In the proximal regions of the cavities, because distance X
is less than distance Z, the projections 535 do not make contact
with the inner surface 941 of the cavities. Thus, there is no axial
force or frictional engagement between the projections 535 and the
inner surface 941 of the cavities 940 in the proximal region. This
permits some play between the bottom saddle 520 and the coupling
element 115 when the bottom saddle is in the proximal region of the
cavities 940. In addition, the height of the projections 535 (i.e.,
the distance between the proximal surface 538 and distal surface
537 of the projections 535) is between about 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm less
than the height of the proximal region of the cavities 940. In one
embodiment, the height of the proximal region of the cavities 940
is about 1.0 mm greater than the height of the projections 535,
allowing about 1.0 mm of play between the bottom saddle 520 and the
coupling element 115 when the projections are situated in the
proximal region of the cavities 940. The diameter of the
cylindrical portion 526 of the bottom saddle is also less than
distance Y between the projections 310. These dimensions permit the
bottom saddle 520 to "float" in the coupling element 115 such that
the position and the orientation of the bottom saddle 520 can be
varied slightly while the projections 535 are situated in the
proximal region of the cavities 940. That is, the bottom saddle 520
can be moved slightly upward or downward and from side to side when
mounted in the coupling element 115 when the projections 535 are
situated within the proximal region of the cavities 940. The bottom
saddle 520 can also rotate slightly when mounted in the coupling
element 115 when the projections 535 are situated within the
proximal region of the cavities 940.
[0101] As the saddle 520 is forced downward in the distal
direction, the distance between the inner surfaces 941, which are
in opposite projections 310, becomes smaller because of the sloped
ramps. At some point in the middle region of the cavities 940 the
projections 535 make contact with the inner surfaces 941 of the
cavities 940. As the saddle 520 is further forced in the distal
direction, inward axial forces are exerted on the projections 535
and the walls 521 are squeezed into frictional engagement with the
sloped ramps. The frictional engagement between the opposing
projections 535 and the distal region of the opposing cavities 940
maintains the saddle 520 in frictional engagement with the head
portion 210 of the fixation element 110 to prevent relative
movement between the fixation element 110 and the coupling element
115 when the stabilizer rod is disengaged from the saddle 520 and
the saddle 520 engages the fixation element 110. The fixation
element 110 and the coupling element 115 are still manually movable
relative to each other in opposition to the frictional engagement
when the stabilizer rod is disengaged from the saddle.
[0102] FIGS. 13A-14B describe another embodiment, which differs
from the previous embodiments only with respect to the bottom
saddle 1220 and retention means for the bottom saddle 1220 within
the coupling element 115. Like the bottom saddle shown in FIGS.
10A-10D, the bottom saddle 1220 depicted in FIGS. 13A-14B is
designed to permit the opposed walls 1221 to tilt toward one
another in response to compression forces, and to spring back to
their original or resting parallel orientation in the absence of
compression forces. The bottom saddle 1220, however, does not have
projections that extend laterally from its opposed walls 1221.
Instead, the outer surface 1226 of the opposed walls are at an
angle .alpha., as shown in detail in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In other
words, the walls 1221 are not parallel to one another when the
walls 1221 are in a resting or uncompressed state. Instead, they
extend away from one another from bottom to top such that the angle
.alpha. between the base 1224 of the bottom saddle 1220 and the
outer surface of the walls 1226 is an obtuse angle or greater than
90.degree. when the walls 1221 are in a resting or uncompressed
state.
[0103] As with previous embodiments, the bottom saddle 1220 has an
internal bore 1216 that axially aligns with the bore 305 in the
coupling element 115 when the bottom saddle 1220 is placed in the
coupling element 115. The bottom saddle 1220 has a frustoconical
outer surface 1226 forming a pair of opposed walls 1221 separated
by the internal bore 1216 and a rod-receiving region 1223. Outer
surfaces of the opposed walls 1221 are angled toward one another as
explained above. The opposed walls 1221 of the saddle 1220 are
connected to one another by a pair of flexible joints 1280 that
permit the opposing walls 1221 to tilt toward one another in
response to compression forces, and to spring back to their
original or resting parallel orientation in the absence of
compression forces. The flexible joints 1280 are formed by a pair
of keyhole slots 1281 carved into the frustoconical portion 1226 of
the bottom saddle 1220. The keyhole slots 1281 are opposite each
other. The keyhole slots 1281 and the flexible joints 1280 permit
the opposed walls 1221 to be squeezed toward one another in
response to a compressive force and to spring back into a parallel
orientation in the absence of a compressive force.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 13a, the bottom saddle 1220 is secured
within the coupling element 115 by positioning the saddle between
the projections 310 such that each of the walls 1221 of the bottom
saddle is inserted into a corresponding retention region 1240 in
the coupling element 115. The bottom saddle 1220 is inserted into
the coupling element 115 by forcing the saddle 1220 down through
the projections 310 of the coupling element. The distance X,
depicted in FIG. 13a, represents the distance between the outer
surface 1226 of walls 1221 in the proximal region 1235 of the
walls. Distance T, depicted in FIG. 13a, represents the distance
between the inner surfaces of the projections 310 of the coupling
element 115 in a region proximal the retention region of the
projections 310. The inner surfaces of the projections 310 in a
region proximal the retention region form a cylinder, such that the
walls are parallel to one another. Distance X is slightly greater
than distance T. Therefore, the saddle 1220 must be inserted into
the coupling element 115 by forcing it downward through the
projections 310 against which the proximal region 1235 of the walls
1221 will scrape. The opposed walls 1221 of the saddle 1220 can be
squeezed toward one another because of the flexible joints 1280 and
keyhole slots 1281.
[0105] The retention region 1240 of the coupling element 115 begins
at a proximal ridge 1241 that forms a pop-out with inner surfaces
311. The inner surfaces 311 are not parallel to one another.
Instead, they are angled toward one another from a proximal to a
distal direction. The inner surfaces 311 can be parallel with the
opposed walls 1221 of the saddle such that opposed walls 1221 and
inner surfaces 311 are at the same angle relative to the base 1224
of the saddle. For example, if the walls 1221 are at an angle of
about 100.degree. to the base 1224, then the inner surfaces 311 can
also be at an angle of about 100.degree. relative to the base 1224
of the saddle. Alternatively, the inner surfaces 311 can form a
greater angle relative to the base 1224 than the opposed walls
1221, so that the opposed walls 1221 are not parallel to the base
1224. For example, if the walls 1221 are at an angle of about
100.degree. to the base 1224, then the inner surfaces 311 can be at
an angle of, e.g., 105.degree. to the base. The retention regions
1240 of the projections 310 each have a proximal region, which is
near the top end of the coupling element 115 just distal the ridge
1241, a middle region distal the proximal region, and a distal
region, which is distal the middle region. The distance X between
the proximal regions of the retention region 1240 is greater than
the distance X between the outer proximal region 1235 of the walls
1221. Distance Z decreases in the distal direction, such that
distance Y is less than distance X and distance Z. Thus, once the
saddle 1220 has been pushed down far enough inside the coupling
element 115 that it reaches the retention region 1240, proximal
region 1235 of the walls 1221 will pop into the retention region
1240. In other words, once the proximal region 1235 of the walls
1221 of the saddle 1220 reach the retention region 1240 of the
coupling element 115, the walls 1221 flex back to their natural or
resting position and pop into the proximal region of the retention
region 1240 where there is no compressive force against the walls
1221. Alternatively, the saddle 1220 can be inserted into the
coupling element 115 in the manner shown in FIG. 7 and described
above.
[0106] In the proximal regions of the retention regions 1240,
because distance X is less than distance Z, the proximal region
1235 of the walls 1221 do not make contact with the inner surface
311 of the proximal regions of the retention regions 1240. Thus,
there is no axial force or frictional engagement between the
proximal region 1235 and the inner surface 311 of the retention
region 1240. This permits some play between the bottom saddle 1220
and the coupling element 115 when the bottom saddle is in the
proximal region of the retention region 1240. At about 1.0 mm below
the ridge 1241, the distance between the inner surfaces 311, at
distance Y, becomes equal to or less than the distance X, and the
proximal region 1235 of the walls 1221 makes contact with the inner
surface 311 of the retention regions 1240. This allows about 1.0 mm
of play between the bottom saddle 1220 and the coupling element 115
when the proximal regions 1235 of the walls 1221 are situated in
the proximal region of the retention region 1240. These dimensions
permit the bottom saddle 1220 to "float" in the coupling element
115 such that the position and the orientation of the bottom saddle
1220 can be varied slightly while the proximal regions 1235 s are
situated in the proximal region of the retention region 1240. That
is, the bottom saddle 1220 can be moved slightly upward or downward
and from side to side when mounted in the coupling element 115 when
the proximal regions 1235 are situated within the proximal region
of the retention region 1240. The bottom saddle 1220 can also
rotate slightly when mounted in the coupling element 115 when the
proximal regions 1235 are situated within the proximal region of
the retention region 1240.
[0107] As the saddle 1220 is forced downward in the distal
direction, the distance between the inner surfaces 311, which are
opposite projections 310, becomes smaller because of the angled or
sloped inner surfaces 311. At some point in the middle region of
the retention region 1240, as explained above, the proximal regions
1235 make contact with the inner surfaces 311 of the retention
region 1240. As the saddle 1220 is further forced in the distal
direction, inward axial forces are exerted on the proximal regions
1235 of the walls 1221, and the walls 1221 are squeezed into
frictional engagement with the sloped surfaces 311 of the retention
region 1240. The frictional engagement between the proximal regions
1235 and the distal region of the retention region 1240 maintains
the saddle 1220 in frictional engagement with the head portion 210
of the fixation element 110 to prevent relative movement between
the fixation element 110 and the coupling element 115 when the
stabilizer rod is disengaged from the saddle 1220 and the saddle
1220 engages the fixation element 110. The fixation element 110 and
the coupling element 115 are still manually movable relative to
each other in opposition to the frictional engagement when the
stabilizer rod is disengaged from the saddle 1220.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 18a and 18b, the top saddle 325 is
rotatingly mounted within a compression nut 410 that has outer
threads that are configured to mate with the threads on the
internal surface of the opposed projections 310 of the coupling
element 115. In this regard, the top saddle 325 has an upper
projection 316 that rotatingly mates with the compression nut 410
and permits the top saddle 325 to rotate and/or tilt relative to
the compression nut 410 when attached thereto. The projection 316
has a lip portion 313 and a neck portion 314 connecting the lip
portion to the saddle 325. The lip portion 313 of the projection
316 can be snapped into an opening 403 in the bottom of the
compression nut 410. Once snapped in, the lip portion 313 rests
against an angled ledge 404 formed in a bore just above the opening
403 of the compression nut 410. When attached, the top saddle 325
is positioned immediately below the compression nut 410 and can
rotate relative to the compression nut 410.
[0109] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 19a and 19b the top
saddle 325 has a projection 316 with a neck portion 314 and an lip
portion 313. The circumference of the neck portion 314 is greater
than the circumference of the lip portion 313 and a step 312 is
formed therebetween. The neck portion 314 and lip portion 313 are
inserted through an opening 403 in the bottom of the compression
nut 410 that leads to a chamber 406 for receiving a friction nut
800. The friction nut 800 is inserted through a top opening 405 in
the compression nut 410. The friction nut 800 has a center bore 803
with a circumference that is slightly smaller than the
circumference of the lip portion 313 of the projection 316 and
significantly smaller than the circumference of the neck portion
314. The outer circumference of the friction nut 800 is slightly
smaller than the circumference of the chamber 406. The portion of
the engagement portion 314 that is inserted into the chamber 406 is
threaded through the central bore 803 of the friction nut 800. The
neck portion 314 and central bore 803 are forced into tight
frictional engagement with one another so that they cannot be
disengaged without significant forces acting on them. The bottom
end of the friction nut abuts the step 312. The circumference of
the friction nut 800 allows it to rotate within the chamber 406.
The circumference of the neck portion 314 is dimensioned so that it
can rotate within the opening 403. The neck portion 314 is long
enough so that there is a small gap between the top surface 308 of
the top saddle 325 and the bottom surface 409 of the compression
nut 410. These dimensions permit the bottom saddle 325 to rotate
relative to the compression nut 410.
[0110] In another embodiment, the top saddle 325 is fixedly
attached to the compression nut 410 such that it does not rotate
relative to the compression nut. In another embodiment, there is no
top saddle and the compression nut directly contacts the stabilizer
rod.
[0111] When the compression nut 410 is attached to the top saddle
325, the compression nut 410 is rotatingly coupled to the coupling
element 115 by mating the outer threads of the compression nut 410
with the inner threads of the coupling element 115. The compression
nut 410 is repeatedly rotated over a 360 degree rotational angle to
lower the compression nut into the coupling element. The
compression nut 410 is described herein as having outer threads
that mate with inner threads on the opposed projections 310. As
described below, this advantageously permits a thread configuration
that prevents projections 310 from spreading apart from one another
as the compression nut 410 is screwed into the coupling element
115. However, it should be appreciated that the compression nut 410
can be modified to have an annular shape with internal threads that
mate with corresponding outer threads on the opposed projections
310.
[0112] As best shown in FIG. 4, the threads on the inner surfaces
of the projections 310 of the coupling element 115 are tilted
inwardly with respect to a horizontal axis (a horizontal axis is
perpendicular to the axis A shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). The threads on
the exterior of the compression nut 410 are correspondingly tilted.
The tilted thread configuration causes the compression nut 410,
when screwed into the coupling element 115, to prevent the
projections 310 from spreading apart relative to one another.
Rather, the compression nut 410 applies a radially inward (i.e.,
toward the axis A) force to the projections 310 as the compression
nut 410 is screwed into the coupling element 115. This keeps the
projections 410 from spreading apart while the compression nut 410
is screwed into the coupling element 115.
[0113] In addition, the threads are buttressed such that it
requires less force to lower or tighten the compression nut 410
into the coupling element 115 and greater force to untighten or
loosen the compression nut 410 relative to the coupling element
115. In this manner, it is unlikely that the compression nut will
inadvertently loosen from the coupling element over time. This is
advantageous, as the assembly can often be mounted in a vertebra
for an extended period of time (such as several years) and it is
undesirable for the compression nut to inadvertently loosen from
the coupling element.
[0114] Other advantageous embodiments of the compression nut are
shown in FIGS. 15A-17C. Bone fixation system shown in FIGS. 15A-15C
shows a compression nut 710 with an external thread 712 that has
both a load flank 713 and a stab flank 714 that are tilted inwardly
in a downward direction toward the distal or bottom end 718 of the
compression nut 710 and away from the proximal or top end 717 of
the compression nut 710. Thread 712 has a load flank 713 that is
sloped such that for a given cross-section of the thread through a
longitudinal axis A of compression nut 710, a point on load flank
713 at a root 711 of thread 710 is closer to the top end 717 of
compression nut 710 than a point on load flank 713 at a crest 716
of thread 712.
[0115] To define the angles of the thread surfaces, plane B normal
to longitudinal axis A is also shown. Angle .alpha. represents the
angle measured clockwise from thread root 711 at plane B to stab
flank surface 714. Load flank 713 is at a downward curved slope
from thread root 711 to thread crest 716. Stated somewhat
differently, load flank 713 forms a concave shape from thread root
711 the thread crest 716 in which thread root 711 is closer to top
end 717 of compression nut 710 than is thread crest 716.
[0116] Coupling element 615 has an internal thread 612 that
complements and mates with external thread 712 of compression nut
710. When measured clockwise from normal plane B to clearance flank
surface 614, clearance flank 614 of internal thread 612 forms an
angle that is of substantially the same magnitude as angle .alpha..
Stab flank 613 forms a convex shape from thread root 611 to thread
crest 616. Thus, thread 712 of compression nut 710 and thread 612
of coupling element 615 are engaged when compression nut 710 is
threadedly engaged within internal bore 605 of coupling element
615. Angle .alpha. can be between about -1.degree. and about
-40.degree.. In accordance with various embodiments, angle .alpha.
can be about -1.degree., about -5.degree., about -10.degree., about
-15.degree., about -20.degree., about -25.degree., about
-30.degree., about -35.degree., or about -40.degree..
[0117] The thread configuration shown in FIGS. 15A-15C causes the
compression nut 710, when screwed into the coupling element 615, to
prevent the projections 610 from spreading apart relative to one
another. Rather, the compression nut 710 applies a radially inward
(i.e., toward the axis A) force to the projections 610 as the
compression nut 710 is screwed into the coupling element 615. This
keeps the projections 610 from spreading apart while the
compression nut 710 is screwed into the coupling element 615.
[0118] More specifically, the way in which the thread geometry of
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A-15C prevents splaying is based on
the formation of a crest/root interference fit. Any outward,
splaying force on the arms 610 of the coupling element 615
manifests itself in a force having two components: (1) a lateral
component; and (2) an upward component. The upward component of the
force causes crest 616 of thread 612 of coupling element 615 to arc
up resulting in crest 616 getting lodged into root 711 of thread
712 of compression nut 710. The lateral component causes clearance
flank 614 of thread 612 of coupling element 615 to push laterally
against stab flank 714 of thread 712 of compression nut 710. Due to
the angle of the stab flank 714, this lateral force pulls thread
712 downward into an interference fit between crest 716 and root
611. This dual-interference fit mechanism provides increased
anti-splaying properties. Need to describe items 611 and 613 shown
in FIGS. 15A-15C.
[0119] FIG. 16 shows a compression nut 910 with threads 912 that
are tilted inwardly in the same manner as those in FIG. 12. Thread
912 of compression nut 410 is similar to thread 712 of compression
nut 710, except that load flank 913 of thread 912 is linear rather
than curved or concave and thread crest 916 forms a point. As with
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, coupling element 815 has an
internal thread 812 that complements and mates with external thread
912 of compression nut 10. Stab flank 813 of thread 812 is also
linear rather than curved or convex.
[0120] FIGS. 17A-17C show another embodiment of a compression nut
1410 and corresponding coupling element 1315 with threads having a
specific geometry. The internal threads 1312 of the coupling
element include a forward-facing thread surface or load flank 1313
that is sloped so that, for a given cross-section of the thread
1312 through the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 1315, a
point on the load flank surface 1313 at the crest 1316 of the
thread 1312 is closer to the proximal or top of the coupling
element 1315 than a point on the load flank surface 1313 at the
root 1311 of the thread 1312.
[0121] External threads 1412 of the compression nut 1410 have a
specific geometry that complements the geometry of the threads 1312
of the coupling element 1315. The rearward-facing or proximal
facing thread surface (load flank surface 1413) is sloped or angled
so that, for a given cross-section of the thread 1412 through the
longitudinal axis of the compression nut 1410, a point on the load
flank surface 1413 at the root 1411 of the thread 1412 is closer to
the proximal end or top of the compression nut 1410 than a point on
the load flank surface 1413 at the crest 1416 of the thread 1412,
resulting in an angle .alpha. measured clockwise from a normal
plane, such as plane Z, to the load flank surface 1413. Angle
.alpha. can be between about -1.degree. and about -40.degree.. In
accordance with various embodiments, angle .alpha. can be about
-1.degree., about -5.degree., about -10.degree., about -15.degree.,
about -20.degree., about -25.degree., about -30.degree., about
-35.degree., about -37.degree., or about -40.degree.. The
forward-facing or distal facing thread surface (stab flank surface
1414) is sloped or angled at an angle .beta. measured clockwise
from normal plane Z', to the stab flank surface 1414. Plane Z' is
parallel to plane Z. Angle .beta. can be between about -1.degree.
and about -40.degree.. In accordance with various embodiments,
angle .beta. can be about -1.degree., about -5.degree., about
-10.degree., about -15.degree., about -20.degree., about
-25.degree., about -30.degree., about -35.degree., about
-37.degree., or about -40.degree..
[0122] The way in which the thread geometry shown in FIGS. 17A-17C
prevents splaying is based on the formation of a crest/root
interference fit. Any outward, splaying force on the projections
1310 of the coupling element 1315 manifests itself in a force
having two components: (1) a lateral component; and (2) an upward
component. The upward component of the force causes the crest of
the internal thread to arc up resulting in the crest of the
internal thread getting lodged into the root of the external
thread. The lateral component causes the rearward-facing or
clearance flank of the internal thread to push laterally against
the forward-facing or clearance flank of the external thread. Due
to the angle of the clearance flank, this lateral force pulls the
fastener thread downward into an interference fit between the crest
of the external thread and the root of the internal thread. This
dual-interference fit mechanism improves anti-splaying
properties.
[0123] The thread geometry shown in FIGS. 17A-17C is also directed
to the issue of torque vs. rotational displacement of the
compression nut 1410. It can be desirable to stiffen the response
of the fastener to torque in order to increase the amount of torque
required to unscrew the compression nut. An improved response
results from increasing the contact surface area, and consequently
the frictional forces, between the internal threads 1312 of the
coupling element 1315 and external threads 1412 of the compression
nut 1410 in the manner shown in FIGS. 17A-17C. Specifically, thread
1412 has three main sides: a proximal side 1466, a lateral side
1467, and a distal side 1468. These three main sides of thread 1412
make contact with thread 1312, which has a corresponding proximal
side 1366, lateral side 1367 and distal side 1368. This results in
an increase in contact surface area of approximately 20% over a
buttress, v-shaped, or reverse-angle thread having only two main
sides.
[0124] In one embodiment, the various components of the assembly
are manufactured of an inert material, such as, for example,
stainless steel or titanium.
[0125] In other embodiments, the seat 327 is formed of one or more
inclined or slanted surfaces. The seat 327 can be formed of an
annular surface such that the seat 327 is generally conical or the
seat 327 can be formed of three or more flat surfaces, such that
the seat is pyramidal.
[0126] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20a, 20b, and 20c,
the seat 327 is conically shaped. During assembly of the device,
the conically-shaped seat 327 supports the rounded head 210 of the
fixation element 110. It should be appreciated that in other
embodiments the head 210 can be other shapes. The rounded head 210
abuts against the conically-shaped seat 327 in the bottom of the
coupling element 115, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG.
20b. The head portion 210 contacts the conically-shaped seat 327
only along an annular contact region, which can be in the form of a
contact circle 2010 as seen in FIGS. 20b and 20c. Because the seat
327 is conically shaped, the rounded head 210 can be rotated within
the seat 327 to move the axis of the shank portion 205 to a desired
orientation relative to the coupling element 115 and thereby
provide a poly-axial configuration.
[0127] With the fixation element 110 seated in the coupling element
115, an operator can position the assembly relative to a bone
structure such as a vertebra. When the device is fully assembled,
the operator can couple a drive device (such as an Allen wrench) to
the drive cavity 215 in the head 210 and rotate the fixation
element 110 to drive the shank portion 205 into a vertebra or other
bone structure.
[0128] After the bottom saddle 320, the rod 120, and the top saddle
325 are loaded into the coupling element 115, the compression nut
410 can be threaded downward. As the compression nut 410 is
threaded downward, the downward force of the compression nut 410 is
transferred to the bottom saddle 320 via the top saddle 325 and the
rod 120. This causes the bottom saddle 320 to also move downward so
as to press downward against the head 210 of the fixation element
110. The rounded head 210 is thereby wedged downward into the
conically-shaped seat 327 in a fixed orientation. The force exerted
by the rounded head 210 along the contact circle 2010 can
optionally cause an indentation, such as a slight indentation along
contact circle 2010. If present, the slight indentation along
contact circle 2010 creates increased friction between the head 210
and the seat 327 which provides a secure fit between the rounded
head 210 and the coupling element 115.
[0129] In this manner, the position of the fixation element 110
relative to the coupling element 115 is fixed. That is, the head
210 of the fixation element 110 is wedged downward into the
conically-shaped seat 327 of the coupling element 115 with a force
sufficient to lock the position of the head 210 relative to the
coupling element 115. This can occur whether or not the head forms
an indentation in the seat. The compression nut 410 provides a
downward force that locks the relative positions of the elongated
rod 120, saddles 320, 325, coupling element 115, and fixation
element 110.
[0130] FIGS. 21a, 21b, and 21c show the seat 327 with a first
conically shaped surface 2115 and a second conically shaped surface
2120. The second conically shaped surface 2120 has a pitch angle
.beta. from the horizontal that is greater than the pitch angle
.alpha. of the first conically shaped surface. The rounded head 210
abuts against the first conically shaped surface 2115 and the
second conically shaped surface 2120 in the bottom of the coupling
element 115, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 21b. The
head portion 210 contacts the conically-shaped seat 327 along a
first contact region, such as a contact circle 2125, and a second
contact region, such as a circle 2130, as seen in FIGS. 21b and
21c. The seat 327 in this embodiment allows the rounded head 210 to
be rotated within the seat 327 so that the axis of the shank
portion 205 can be moved to a desired orientation relative to the
coupling element 115 and thereby provide a poly-axial
configuration.
[0131] As the compression nut 410 is threaded downward, the
downward force of the compression nut 410 is transferred to the
head 210 of the fixation element 110. The rounded head 210 is
thereby wedged downward into the seat 327 in a fixed orientation.
The force exerted by the rounded head along the first contact
circle 2125 and the second contact circle 2130 can optionally cause
an indentation, such as a slight indentation. The slight
indentations along the first contact circle 2125 and the second
contact circle 2130 create a stronger friction fit between the
rounded head 210 and the coupling element 115. It should also be
appreciated that there may be multiple conically shaped
surfaces.
[0132] In FIGS. 22, 23a, 23b, and 24 the seat 327 is pyramid shaped
instead of conically-shaped. The pyramid-shaped seat in FIG. 22 has
three slanted faces 2240, 2245, 2250. It should be appreciated that
the pyramid-shaped seat 327 may have more than three faces. For
example, FIGS. 23a and 23b depict the pyramid-shaped seat 327 with
four faces 2340, 2345, 2350, 2355. The rounded head 210 abuts
against the pyramid-shaped seat 327 in the bottom of the coupling
element 115. The rounded head portion 210 contacts the slanted
faces of the three-sided pyramid-shaped seat at contact points 2251
as seen in FIG. 22. In FIGS. 23a and 23b, the rounded head portion
210 will contact the slanted faces of the three-sided
pyramid-shaped seat at contact points 2360. The rounded head 210
can be rotated within the seat 327 to move the axis of the shank
portion 205 to a desired orientation relative to the coupling
element 115 and thereby provide a poly-axial configuration.
[0133] As the compression nut 410 is threaded downward, the
downward force of the compression nut 410 is transferred to the
head 210 of the fixation element 110. The rounded head 210 is
thereby wedged downward into the pyramid shaped seat 327 in a fixed
orientation. The force exerted by the rounded head at the contact
points can cause a slight indentation. The slight indentations at
the contact points create a stronger friction fit between the
rounded head 210 and the coupling element 115.
[0134] Also, each of the slanted surface of the pyramid may also
have a variable pitch as seen in FIG. 24. FIG. 24 depicts each face
having two variable pitches and each face having two contact
points. In this example, the rounded head would contact each face
at two contact points 2410. In this embodiment, there are eight
contact points altogether only two of which are numbered. It is
also contemplated that each face may have multiple pitches.
[0135] As the compression nut 410 is threaded downward, the
downward force of the compression nut 410 is transferred to the
head 210 of the fixation element 110. The rounded head 210 is
thereby wedged downward into the pyramid shaped seat 327 with
variable-pitched faces in a fixed orientation. The force exerted by
the rounded head at the contact points can cause a slight
indentation. The slight indentations at the contact points create a
stronger friction fit.
[0136] The various embodiments of top saddles, compression nut
threading geometries, and coupling element threading geometries are
described herein with respect to polyaxial pedicle screws. However,
it should be appreciated that they can be used with monoaxial
pedicle screws as well.
[0137] Although embodiments of various methods and devices are
described herein in detail with reference to certain versions, it
should be appreciated that other versions, embodiments, methods of
use, and combinations thereof are also possible. Therefore the
spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to
the description of the embodiments contained herein.
* * * * *